Jewelry image projection and method

ABSTRACT

An article of jewelry comprising; a frame; and a decorative element secured within the frame, wherein two-dimensional array of optical phase shifting structures is embedded in the decorative element; wherein the two-dimensional array of optical phase shifting structures project an image when illuminated with a light source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/409,794 filed May 11, 2019 and 62/670,836 filed May 13, 2018. Thedisclosure of the prior applications is considered part of (and isincorporated by reference in) the disclosure of this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to device for image projection, and moreparticularly to an article of jewelry with an image embedded in thearticle of jewelry which when illuminated projects an image.

Precious stones have been used as gifts and stores of value. Diamondsare commonly used in engagement rings due to the high hardness andstability. Furthermore, each diamond is thought to be unique andtherefore has symbolic value, for example for couples that are preparingfor marriage.

However, the environmental impact of diamond mining, and the socialconflicts caused by the pursuit of the stones has led to greathardships, particularly in the developing world due to exploitation ofworkers and devastation of the environment. Furthermore, the cost ofdiamonds to the end consumer has reached exorbitant values.

Therefore, there exists a need for a highly personalized piece ofjewelry that does not have the negative environmental impact of conflictdiamonds.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the present invention is an article of jewelrycomprising:

a frame; and a decorative element secured within the frame, wherein animage is embedded in the decorative element; wherein the embedded imageis a two-dimensional array of optical phase shifting structures.

In a second embodiment, the present invention is a method of creating ajewelry article that can project an image, comprising: creating atwo-dimensional phase-mask; etching the two-dimensional phase mask on adecorative element; securing the decorative element within a frame;shining a light source at the decorative element, wherein an image isprojected, for example onto a surface.

In a third embodiment, the present invention is a method of etching adecorative element, comprising: creating a two dimensional image,digitally rendering the two dimensional image; converting the digitalimage to a digital phase mask; converting the digital phase mask to aphysical phase mask; and etching the physical phase mask onto adecorative element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart of the method to embed the image in agemstone, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a flow chart of the method to prepare the image forembedding in the gemstone, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an image of a surface of the gemstone, in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an image of a phase mask, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts an image of an article of jewelry with the gemstone, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the appearance of a projection of theimage where a binary phase mask is etched into the gemstone, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the appearance of a projection of theimage where a binary phase mask is etched into the gemstone, inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the appearance of a projection of theimage where a non-binary phase mask is etched into the gemstone, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of the appearance of a projection of theimage where a non-binary phase mask is etched into the gemstone, inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a method of embedding an image into agemstone, so when a light source is held within close proximity to thestone, the image is projected, for example onto a surface. The presentinvention provides the advantage of allowing a large variety of images(or words) to be projected from a gemstone by etching a phase mark intothe gemstone, then with the use of a light source shining through thephase mark, the image is projected onto a surface. This process involvestaking the image, creating a digital rendering of the image, from thedigital image creating a phase mask of the digital image, and etchingthat phase mask into the stone.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading thisdisclosure, each of the individual embodiments described and illustratedherein has discrete components and features which may be readilyseparated from or combined with the features of any of the other severalembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentinvention. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited toparticular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It isalso to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intendedto be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limitedonly by the appended claims.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also beused in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferredmethods and materials are now described.

All publications and patents cited in this specification are hereinincorporated by reference as if each individual publication or patentwere specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated byreference and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose anddescribe the methods and/or materials in connection with which thepublications are cited. The citation of any publication is for itsdisclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as anadmission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate suchpublication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates ofpublication provided may be different from the actual publication dateswhich may need to be independently confirmed.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claimsmay be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statementis intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusiveterminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with therecitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart of the method to embed the image in agemstone , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.The method requires the generating, receiving, or preparing of an image(step 102) to be used in the follow steps. For exemplary purposes theimage is shown in FIGS. 8-9 as butterfly 700. The image can be, but notlimited to any image that has the appropriate resolution and sized basedon the gemstone size or phase mask process limitations. The image, oncereceived, is then properly formatted and altered, so that once embeddedin the gemstone as a phase mask (binary or non-binary), the image isviewable (at the highest resolution possible) when projected. Theprojection may be, but not limited to, either shinning a light directlyat the gemstone, or looking through the gemstone at a light source. Theprocess of generating the phase mask is explained in detail in FIG. 2.Once the image is converted to the digital phase mask, the digital phasemask of the image is converted to a physical form (step 106). An exampleof the phase mask is shown in FIG. 4. The physical form of the digitalphase mask may be in the form of a lithography, such as electron beamlithography, direct laser lithography, interference lithography, or thelike may be used. In some embodiments, the physical form of the phasemask is applied directly to the gemstone through an etching or engravingprocess. The physical form of the phase mask is embedded into thegemstone (step 108). The embedding of the physical form of the phasemask, is accomplished by known methods to those skilled in the arts toproperly etch the gemstone at the predetermined depth, angle, shape, andlocation. In some embodiments, a first gemstone is etched or engravedwith the phase mask, and the first gemstone is embedded in a secondgemstone.

FIG. 2 depicts a flow chart of the method to prepare the image forembedding in the gemstone, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The depicted flow chart is for a binary phase maskgeneration. A non-binary phase mask does not require the mirroring ofthe image about center. First the image, which is desired to beconverted into a phase mask is received (Step 202). In some embodiments,the image might consist of a photograph, a drawing, a work of art, acorporate logo, words, or any other two-dimensional representation ofinformation. In some embodiments, parents might choose photographs oftheir children. In other embodiments, people might choose images oftheir loved ones at a special moment. In other embodiments, people mightchoose images of their pets. Corporations might choose logos relevant totheir organizations. In some embodiments, the image could be submittedvia a third party (e.g. a website or application), for example a jewelrystore that specializes in customized jewelry. In some embodiments, thisimage has a dimension maximum of 700 pixels by 700 pixels. In additionalembodiments, the image dimensions are based on the gemstone type, size,or embedding process. In an additional embodiment, the image may beuploaded via a computer or smartphone to a cloud-connected server. Theimage is altered (step 204) based on the limitations of the phase maskor the etching process. For example, the edges of the image are blurredto create a circular altered version of the image. The blurring of theedges of the image can be performed in to improve the signal to noiseratio of the resulting projection. The altered image is then reflectedabout an origin point and a symmetric version of the image about theorigin point (step 206) is generated. This is shown in FIGS. 6-7. Thegenerating of the mirrored image about the line of symmetry is requiredfor binary phase masks but is not required for non-binary phase masks,to overcome the twin-image problem that is familiar to those skilled inthe art. This symmetric image may be the same dimensions as the originalimage or may be greater in size. In one embodiment, the originalsymmetric image is 1400 pixels×1400 pixels. This resolution is preferredfor a binary phase mask to retain the proper resolution when creatingthe binary phase mask. Non-binary phase masks are able to maintainproper resolution at smaller sizes. The high resolution of the imageprovides optimal data for the generation of the phase mask. If theetching is altered from binary (two depths) to greater than two etchdepths, the symmetric image is not necessary, and a single image can beused as the basis for the phase mask etching.

The image (either symmetric able the axis or single image if the etchinghas more than two depths) is then processed (step 208) through variousalgorithms to generate a phase array corresponding to the image. In oneembodiment, a Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm is used and a large number ofiterations of the image using the algorithm is performed.

The phase mask can be created in either a binary or non-binary design.In one embodiment, the binary phase mask is then converted into aphysical mask via a lithographic process, with unaltered surfacecorresponding to a 0-phase shift, and an altered surface correspondingto a π phase-shifting. The depth of the altered surface is optimized forthe refractive index of the material and the wavelength of light used toproject the image. For example, for a wavelength of 532 nm green lightin air, passing through sapphire of refractive index 1.77, a π phaseshift corresponds to a height of:

$H = {{n\mspace{14mu} h} = {{n\mspace{14mu}\lambda\frac{\pi}{2\pi}} = {{1\text{/}\left( {1.77 - 1} \right)\mspace{14mu} 532\mspace{14mu}{nm}\mspace{14mu}\left( {1\text{/}2} \right)} = {345\mspace{14mu}{nm}}}}}$

In additional embodiments, the depth is calculated using the materialrefractive index and the light wavelength to determine the depth of thealtered phase shifting surface.

At the conclusion of the iterations, a Fourier analysis of each pixel ofthe image is represented by a phase between 0 and 2π, thereby generatingthe digital phase mask of the image. The digital phase mask provides ahigh-fidelity representation of the initial image whenFourier-transformed. Alternately, a Fresnel transformation accountingfor the scattering surface distance of subsequent projection can beused. In some embodiments, the etched phase mask has been stretchedalong one axis to account for the optical properties of reflection at anangle, such that the image on the scattering surface appears relativelyunstretched. For a binary phase mask all the pixels are then numericallyrounded, wherein a value that is less than π is rounded to 0, and valuesgreater than π is rounded to π. This results in the digital phase map ofthe image being converted to a binary phase mask, resulting in a binaryphase map of either 0 or π. In additional embodiments, the phases of allthe pixels are not rounded and are used to create a phase mask of amultitude of potential values.

In one embodiment, the method is an iterative method, similar to theGerchberg-Saxton algorithm. An initial image I0(x,y) is used as theintensity, with the phase set to zero for the first iteration. TheFourier transform is obtained. Each pixel has an amplitude and phase.The amplitude I*(x,y) is discarded. The phase phi*(x,y) is combined withthe amplitude from an image of the laser beam intensity profile I1*(x,).For example, if the laser is a Gaussian, then a two-dimensional Gaussianis used as image I1*(x,y). The 2D array of complex numbers is inverseFourier transformed, and the amplitude array I(x,y) is again discarded.The phase array phi_N(x,y) is either taken as the final phase array orused as the input to the algorithm for another iteration. Moreiterations typically result in a higher fidelity representation of theinitial image. In an embodiment, one hundred (100) iterations provides ahigh-resolution phase mask. More or less iterations may be performedbased on the original image, or other factors. Finally, in the case of abinary phase array, the phase array phi_N(x,y) is binarized.

In one embodiment, a lithographic process is used to two-dimensionallypattern photoresist onto a 2-inch diameter gemstone of thickness 0.4 mmusing a Heidelberg MLA150 Direct Write Lithographer. In this embodiment,multiple phase-masks can be rapidly patterned onto a wafer, making theprocess suitable for mass-production. A digital phase mask is etchedinto the gemstone using an inductively coupled plasma etch process. Insome embodiments, the digital phase mask, etched patches of 345 nm depthare the phase shift pixels, and unetched patches are 0 nm depth. A small2.5 mm diameter piece of the larger gemstone is removed from the largerwafer using a laser cutting process, such as, but not limited to a RofinStarMark Performance II Nd:YAG laser scribe tool. Alternately, the smalldiameter piece could be removed using mechanical cutting tools, otherscribe tools, deep etching, hydraulic cutting, powder-blasting, or othermeans familiar to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the 2.5 mmdisk could be the starting material, and the lithographic pattern placeddirectly onto the disk. The 2.5 mm diameter etched gemstone is thenplaced into a piece of jewelry, such as a ring made of metal such asgold, platinum, silver, or other metals, ceramics, plastics, and othermaterials. Various pieces of metal may be soldered together to partiallyenvelop the gemstone, for example using laser welding or other meansfamiliar to those skilled in the art. Alternately, the gemstone could bemounted using a bezel or set of the type familiar to those skilled inthe art. In various embodiments, the jewelry body can be an engagementring, a wedding ring, a necklace, wristband, bangle, or other wearablejewelry. Alternatively, the jewelry body can be a small attachment to anexisting piece of jewelry, for example a small metal bezel mount thatcan be soldered to an existing ring. Alternately, the jewelry body canbe for display purposes only, such as a display case.

FIG. 3 depicts an image of the surface of the gemstone 300, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The depictedembodiment of the gemstone 300 shows an exaggerated (for viewingpurposes) view of the etchings 302 on the surface 304 of the gemstone300. The gemstone surface 304 has either etched areas 302 or non-etchedareas. The etched areas 302 are based on the phase mask, and thereforethe etched areas 302 may have various depths, angles, pitches, shapes,or features based on the phase mask (FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 depicts an image of a phase mask 700, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The phase mask 700 when vieweddirectly does not provide a clear view of the original image. The phasemask 700 requires the light source of a specific wavelength to properlyinteract with the phase mask 700 to procedure the original image. If adifferent wavelength of light is used, the relative intensity of thezero-th order spot (central bright dot that corresponds withundiffracted light) will become greater as compared to the diffractedimages. Temporally coherent light such as that from a laser ispreferred, to avoid blurring of the resulting projected image. Thedepicted embodiment, shows the areas where the phase mask has a value ofzero (white space) and a value greater than zero (black dots).

FIGS. 5-8 depicts an embodiment of the gemstone 300 integrated into ajewelry body 400, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. The jewelry body 400 may be a variety of bodies or framesthat are able to support the gemstone 300. The depicted embodiment ofthe jewelry body 400 is that of a ring, which would be worn on aperson's finger. In the depicted embodiment, the jewelry body 400 is aring. In additional embodiments, the jewelry body 400 is various framesor structures that can support and protect the gemstone 300. To view theprojection 700, a laser or light source 500 is pointed at the gemstone300A (300B) at a predetermined angle based on the phase mask embedded inthe gemstone 300A 300B). As a light beam passes through the gemstone300A, the phase mask affects the lights passage by means of adiffractive interference pattern familiar to those skilled in the art,resulting in a projection 700 being projected onto an opticallyscattering surface 600. The optically scattering surface 600 ispreferentially an optically reflective and scattering surface such as apainted white wall. In some embodiments, the gemstone 300A or 300B needsto be a certain distance from the surface to provide for a clearprojection 700. In other embodiments, the light source's 500 intensityand concentration may affect the distance from the surface 600 thegemstone 300A (300B) needs to be located. In alternative arrangement,the gemstone can be held up relatively close to the person's eye or acamera, and a laser-spot is directed in front of the gemstone 300A.Looking through the gemstone 300A at a laser spot on a wall, theprojection 700A (700B) appears, and float in the air. In this case, theimage is being projected onto the retina.

The pitch, phase mask size, and light source 500 wavelength determinethe angular size of the projection 700. Combined with the distance tothe surface 600 this determines the size of the projection 700. Thewavelength of the light source 500 is a factor in determining the phasepitch and depth. For example, if the phases are not exactly 0 or pi (e.gif etching is ⅞ pi), the resulting projection will divert less opticalpower to the diffraction projected images, resulting in weaker (lowerresolution) projection 700 and a stronger zeroth order beam (the brightspot in the middle). This is the reason why using a light source 500with one wavelength (e.g. red laser pointer) for an etched phase maskdesigned for a light source 500 with a different wavelength (e.g. greenlaser pointer) will still work. However, the resolution will be lower.

In one embodiment, a Gaussian intensity green laser beam 500 is used togenerate the projection 700. The resulting projection 700 corresponds tothe Fourier transform of the Gaussian laser beam phase-shifted by theembedded phase mask in the gemstone 300. Due to the iterativephase-retrieval algorithm used, the projection 700 corresponds to alikeness of the original image.

FIGS. 7 and 9 depicts embodiments of a non-transparent gemstone 300integrated into a jewelry body 400 and the method of generating theprojection 700A (700B), in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. At least one surface of the gemstone 300B is not opticallytransparent. Instead, at least one surface of the gemstone 300B isoptically reflective. This can be accomplished, for example, by means ofetching the phase mask into an optically reflective material such asgold, silver, platinum, or the like which have reflective properties.Alternately, this can be accomplished by coating an opticallytransparent material such as gemstone 300B with an optically reflectivelayer such as platinum. A metal coating may be applied to the etchedphase mask, such that light passes through one optically transparentsurface of the gemstone 300B, reflects off said metal-coatedphase-array, and then passes through the optically transparent surface asecond time. When a light source 500 illuminates the phase mask, theprojection 700A (700B) is projected onto a surface 600. Whether thegemstone 300B is used transmission or reflection, as well as the angleof reflection, affects the calculation to determine the etching of thegemstone 300B so that the pitch and depth of the each phase is correctto properly generate the projection 700A (700B).

FIGS. 6 and 7 depict projection 700A, where the original image ismirrored about a point of symmetry. This is typical in the binary phasemask. The phase mask must therefore have multiple phases to allow for abreaking of the symmetry. FIGS. 8 and 9 depict projection 700B, wherethe original image is not mirrored about a point or line of symmetry.This is permissible in non-binary phase masks. The non-binary phase maskmay have multiple phases to allow for breaking of the symmetry. Thus,different features of the image are etched at varying depth. Forexample, four different etching depths are used, e.g. 0 nm, 172 nm, 345nm, 517 nm into the gemstone 300A or 300B (of refractive index 1.77),and a light source 300 (wavelength 532 nm) resulting in a 4-phase maskrather than a binary phase mask. The 4-phase mask has numerousadvantages over binary phase mask such as the possibility to projectasymmetric images, and a closer apparent likeness in the projection dueto the additional degrees of freedom afforded by the multiple phases.The phase-masks can further be optimized for multi-color projection, forexample resulting from a combined red, green, and blue laser.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of an optically transparent gemstone 300Aintegrated into a jewelry body 400, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention. The gemstone 300A is a transparentmaterial. In the depicted embodiment, the gemstone 300A with the phasemask has a light source 500 shining through the gemstone 300A. Inadditional embodiments, the orientation of the gemstone 300A withrespect to a jewelry body 400, such that the phase mask can beilluminated without removing the jewelry body 400. The gemstone 300A,maybe, but not limited to, a diamond, glass, a polymer, or other solidmaterial with a refractive index sufficiently different from that ofair.

The present invention can be used in an alternative embodiment, where aperson places the gemstone 300A near their eye and looks through thegemstone 300A (thereby looking through the phase mask), and theprojection is visible to the person and the image becomes visible

In another embodiment, the phase mask may be embedded into the gemstone300A (optically transparent material), which is then embedded withinanother gemstone. For example, the gemstone 300A could be bonded toanother gemstone substrate such that the phase mask cannot be damaged bymechanical abrasion such as scratching. In additional embodiments, acoating is applied to the etched surface of the gemstone 300 with thephase mask to protect the phase mask from damage. The gemstone mayoptionally be coated with anti-reflection coating to enhancetransmission efficiency and reduce optical losses at interfaces.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specificembodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as setforth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thisinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of jewelry comprising: a frame; adecorative element having at least one surface, wherein the decorativeelement is secured within the frame; and a phase mask is embedded in thedecorative element on the at least one surface, wherein the phase maskis a two-dimensional array of optical phase shifting structures.
 2. Thearticle of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the decorative element istransparent.
 3. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the phasemask is comprised of a plurality of altered sections and unalteredsections of the decorative element.
 4. The article of jewelry of claim3, wherein the altered sections are of all substantially the same depth.5. The article of jewelry of claim 1, wherein the at least one surfaceof the decorative element is a reflective surface.